Spice Up Your Kitchen with an Authentic Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe

When it comes to hearty, nourishing, and flavorful soups, Jamaican Chicken Soup is a must-try! This rich, golden broth is packed with tender chicken, dumplings, root vegetables, and traditional Caribbean spices, making it a comforting meal for any time of year. Whether you're feeling under the weather, looking for a satisfying dinner, or just craving bold Jamaican flavors, this soup is the perfect dish to warm your soul. Unlike classic chicken soups, the Jamaican version is known for its vibrant color from pumpkin, bold seasoning from pimento (allspice), and a delicious mix of ground provisions like yam, carrots, and potatoes. It’s a one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas!

Let’s dive into this authentic Jamaican Chicken Soup recipe and bring a taste of the Caribbean to your table.

🔥 Authentic Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 ½ lbs bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken cut up)

• 10 cups water (or chicken broth)

• 2 cups pumpkin, peeled and diced (Caribbean pumpkin or butternut squash)

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 1 medium Irish potato, diced

• 1 small yellow yam, diced (optional but recommended)

• 2 ears corn on the cob, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 2 stalks scallions (green onions), chopped

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper, whole (do not cut unless you want extra spice!)

• 1 teaspoon allspice (pimento), ground

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 pack Jamaican cock soup mix (optional, adds extra flavor)

For the Dumplings (Spinners):

• 1 cup flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ⅓ cup water (add slowly as needed)

🥣 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse the chicken pieces with water and a little vinegar or lime juice. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces, allspice, thyme, onion, garlic, and scallions.

3. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables & Simmer

4. Add the pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, yam, and corn to the pot. Stir well.

5. Drop in the whole Scotch Bonnet pepper (do not cut it open unless you want extra heat!).

6. If using, add the Jamaican cock soup mix for an extra boost of flavor.

7. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the pumpkin becomes soft and starts to dissolve into the broth.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings (Spinners)

8. While the soup is simmering, make the dumplings: In a small bowl, mix flour and salt, then gradually add water to form a firm dough.

9. Pinch off small pieces and roll them between your palms to form long, thin dumplings.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

10. Add the dumplings to the soup and stir gently to prevent sticking.

11. Cover and let everything simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and the soup has thickened slightly.

12. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the Scotch Bonnet pepper before serving.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Chicken Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with:

🥖 Hard Dough Bread – A dense, slightly sweet Jamaican bread.

🥬 Steamed Cabbage – A simple, healthy side dish.

🌶️ Pepper Sauce – For those who like extra spice!

🌟 Tips for the Best Jamaican Chicken Soup

✅ Use bone-in chicken for the richest flavor. The bones add depth to the broth!

✅ Caribbean pumpkin (or kabocha squash) gives the best flavor and color, but butternut squash works too.

✅ For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked pumpkin into the broth.

✅ Leave the Scotch Bonnet whole for a mild, fragrant heat—cut it open if you want it spicy!

✅ Let the soup simmer slowly for a deeper, more flavorful broth.

Jamaican Chicken Soup is more than just a dish—it’s comfort in a bowl! It’s hearty, nutritious, and packed with authentic island flavors that make every spoonful a delight. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or to fight off a cold, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Have you ever tried Jamaican Chicken Soup?

Let me know in the comments how you like to make yours! 🇯🇲✨